This is not an attack on any one fandom or fandoms as a whole. As you can tell by my name, I identify as part of several Kpop fandoms (Army, Buddy, Once, VIP, EXO-L, Blink, Carat, Monbebe, Shawol, ELF, MooMoo, L.O.V.E., SONE, Hidden Kard, InSomnia, etc.). But while I do see myself as part of these fandoms and do my best to keep up to date with groups I follow, I do not like how fandom culture in Kpop has turned into something where some people have to walk on eggshells lest they incur the wrath of fans defending their favorite groups.

Let me say this first: there are aspects of Kpop fandoms that I greatly enjoy. There's being able to have fun with people who all like the same artist(s) as you by watching music videos, live performances, variety shows, etc., being welcomed by others of a fandom once you find yourself joining one, and working with others to do your best to support your artist(s) through album sales, streaming, concerts, and cheering them on. At the end of the day, we just want the best for the groups we support.

But that being said, support can only go so far before it turns into an unhealthy obsession. And from obsession, can come some pretty scary instances where fans go too far.

1. Sasaeng "Fans"

Sasaengs are a prime example of when being part of a fandom goes too far. I don't see sasaengs as actual fans of groups. They are mentally ill individuals who don't understand boundaries, privacy, or common decency, so long as they are able to get close to their favorite idols and they will make sure no one gets in their way. Getting into car accidents with idols, installing cameras in parking lots to record idols, getting idols' private phone numbers and harassing them at all hours with phone calls and texts, showing up nude in front of idols, and even blood writing to express their obsession. It's truly terrifying seeing how far some will go just to get an idol to notice them.

2. Anti-Fans

There's nothing wrong with supporting your favorite idol or group or being happy when you see their success. But trying to support your favorite artists while attempting to undermine, demean, insult, threaten, or even harm others you see as a threat to the success of your favorite artist doesn't make you a fan. Anti-fans are an aspect of Kpop fandom culture that gives certain fandoms as a whole its toxic label from others. Their main objective is to do everything in their power to spew hate and malice at other artists so that they can try to give their favorites an edge over the competition, while completely ignoring the accomplishments of the ones they are attacking, simply because they feel they have a duty to put others down so their favorites will rise.

3. Akgae Fans

Those people who don't support groups as a whole, but only like certain individual members of groups. This is a different breed of scary because they can be so easily hidden behind their love for one or two members that others assume they love the whole group. But their love for an individual can become so toxic that their desire for more lines, screen time, or time in the center position for their favorite member that it leads to them spreading their hate to others in the same group. For some, these fans are the most despicable because of their selective love within a group rather than the whole group. Having a bias is one thing, but having a bias while also hating others in the same group as your bias bring you to a new kind of low.

4. Physical Fans

These fans aren't as seen, but they do make their presence known in more ways than one. From punching and shoving others at concerts so they can get a better view of their favorite idols, to chasing after idols in airports so they can get a picture or recording, invading personal space of idols, getting on stage with idols, and even attempted kidnapping (we all know which one that is). These fans happen when they feel words aren't enough to reach their favorite artist, so they resort to drastic measures in order to leave an impression. It even leads to them attacking, verbally or physically, those in their own fandom so they can try to get closer to their idol, and it's absolutely despicable. 

5. Criticism Is A Big No-No

God forbid you have something negative to say about a group or individual idol. It can be something as innocuous as not being the biggest fan of a song or finding a choreography to be not to your taste. We all have our own preference and it's okay to not always like everything a group does. But if you so much as express that sort of opinion within some fandoms, you're suddenly a villain, an anti, a hater, stupid, or even called far worse. Criticism is just a part of life, and we all have to accept that there will always be people who may not like something our favorite groups put out. But if someone has something to say that doesn't laud or commend your favorite group, we can't just ignore them or put them down because of it.

I do believe Kpop fandoms are wonderful places. Creativity and passion can flourish, bonds and friendships can be made, and experiences and memories that will last a lifetime can be born. But underneath it all, there is a dark side that rears its ugly head far more times than I would like to see. It's part of every fandom, and whenever it makes an appearance, it scares me to see it.